It took a Pack of Lions but they were able to stop the Lone Wolf!

Tagged under: District 6, Game Photos, Gameday Hub, News, Scores

Greg Ricupero | September 2, 2023

Week Two in the Heritage Conference saw the four undefeated contenders playing each other. In one of the games, the Purchase Line Red Dragons mauled the River Valley Maulers. In Nanty Glo the West Shamokin Wolves were matched up with the United Valley Lions. The offenses came out fast, both teams drove into the opposition’s territory. The Lions turned it over on downs. The Wolves were stopped on a pick by Lion Gino DiPaolo. The Lions would than go 85 yards for the games first touchdown sparked by two big Isaac Worthington to DiPaolo catches. The drive eat up the rest of the first quarter with United scoring on the first play of the second quarter. Worthington kept it himself and crashed in from three yards out. Collin Nedrich kicked the point after. The Wolves would come right back with a 70 yard drive capped by a Lou Swartz touchdown from 10 yards out. The PAT was no good and United Valley led 7-6. The Lions would need three plays to go 52 yards. Caden McCully made a great 30 yard touchdown run. Nedrich converted again. The Wolves would come right back. West Shamokin went 65 yards for their second touchdown. The converted a fourth and seven from the Lions 36 on a Swartz to Ezra Oesterling pass. Swartz capped the drive again, this time from 8 yards out. The two point conversion was stuffed. The Lions went to the half up 14-12.

The second half started with both teams turning the ball over on downs inside the other territory. The Wolves misfired on a fourth down pass. The Lions were stuffed from the West Shamokin five. We than had the games first two punts. Th Wolves ended the the third quarter with Swartz punting again.

The Lions would than drive 81 yards converting a fourth and ten from the Wolves 19. The third Lions touchdown was a 5 yard run by Alex Reba. The PAT was partially blocked but good and the Lions led by two scores with under eight to play. West Shamokin faced a fourth and three from the Lions 48 with five and a half to go. With the game on the line, they called Swartz’s number again. The United Valley defense stuffed him again. On the next play Nedrich raced 41 yards to the Wolves 10. Reba would cap the drive two plays later. United Valley coach Kevin Marabito went for the death blow by going for two, a play that would have given them a three possession lead. The pass failed. But I like the call, play to win not tie. This is a different United Valley team this year. The Wolves final chance ended with DiPaolo picking a Swartz pass for the second time at the Lions one.

Wrap up:

It is early but looks to be a two horse race with Purchase Line and United Valley the only two undefeated teams. But the Heritage Conference is a very competitive league. River Valley, West Shamokin and Cambria Heights will knock you off if you don’t bring your “A” game. Lou Swartz is worth the price of Admission he does it all. There was a great individual battle between Ezra Oesterling and Gino DiPaolo who cover each other one on one. The Wolves actually held the time of possession advantage 27-21. United Valley offense is very balanced as Worthington is very sharp with the short passes. No one would have guess this would be the lowest scoring game of the week. For the second straight week the better team has one even though the best player was on the other sideline. Teamwork wins football games!